Jon Mills (Interim Dean and Dean, 1999-2003)

Jon Mills, founder of the Center for Governmental Responsibility and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was named as interim dean and later dean in 2001. As the law school faced a critical shortage of library and classroom space, Mills saw the law school through planning and fundraising for its $25 million renovation and expansion project. He acted as a mediating force as the law school struggled with debates about diversity and collegiality. Mills emphasized the hiring and retention of quality faculty, and several highly respected legal scholars were recruited to UF during his tenure.